Things to do in Irvine Scotland with Kids
Things to do in Irvine Scotland – Family friendly activities by day, plus I’ve found amazing accommodation by night. Wait till you see it.
Scottish Maritime Museum – Things to do in Irvine Scotland
At first I thought this was simply a large building full of maritime stuff (go figure) but there’s SO much more to engage kids and entertain parents than I first thought. The Scottish Maritime Museum has lots of hands on stuff for children – from fixing rivets to a boat (tricky!) and fishy colouring in, to steering a vessel and sending the lighthouse keeper her lunch. There’s usually a scavenger trail – we were on the hunt for wee rats! The reading area with mermaid beanbags is cute, and the museum covers lots of different maritime stories, from legendary Scottish sea creatures to Glasgow’s notorious tobacco trade. The building itself has a cool story, as this glass-roofed Victorian Linthouse was transported piece by piece from Glasgow! It was formerly the Engine Shop of Alexander Stephen and Sons shipyard in Govan before being salvaged and relocated to Irvine in 1991. Check out museum entry prices here.
There are LOTS of events for kids all year round. This site seems more than a museum, it feels like a hub for the community. Look out for the Halloween event on 29 October.
Shipyard Worker’s Flat – Things to do in Irvine Scotland
This 1920s flat is part of the Maritime Museum, but you can visit it separately. It’s a small two-bedroom flat with a larder area but it gives a real sense of home in the days before electricity and the internet! You’re accompanied to the flat by a tour guide who tells you LOTS about domestic life and happily answers all your daft questions. My kids love these ‘frozen in time’ experiences.
Visit the Mini Kelpies- Things to do in Irvine Scotland
I didn’t realise that ten mini Kelpy prototypes, or maquettes, were built as a sensible practise run for the real deal in Falkirk. Irvine is lucky to have one set of the mini Kelpies by the waterside, so grab your miniature photo opps here. The maquettes are right next to the Maritime Museum’s Puffers’s Cafe (see more below under Where to Eat).
Explore the Harbour and/or Beach
Irvine’s sandy beach is set in sand dunes, it’s a short walk from the railway station, and offers views over to Arran and Ailsa Craig. You’re never far from the water in Irvine!
Creepy Crawlies Soft Play
A rainy day option here. We didn’t make it to Creepy Crawlies, hopefully next time, but it offers a Toddler Play Area and a Junior Play Area, plus mini quad bikes, and a café.
Eglinton Country Park
Run off steam in over 400 hectares at Eglinton Country Park. It also features an adventure playground, cycle trails, café, campsite, an elegant 19th century historic bridge, standing stones and even its own ruined castle!
Where to Stay
This place is amazing, especially considering the price point. The Gailes Hotel has modern, contemporary rooms, £2 million was spent on its Si! Spa, plus its Coast restaurant area is spanking new too. The restaurant dishes up family favourites, from steak and ale pie to wraps and fish and chips, so an affordable menu is a bonus. There are also golf courses and the beach, nearby so lots of pampering, sport, fresh air and fun to keep all family members happy.
Also ideal for a girls weekend because it’s hard to argue with Si! Spa’s autumn deals i.e. from £165pp includes overnight, 1hr Thermal Suite access and outdoor spa area, two beauty treatments, dinner, and breakfast the following morning. The treatments were lush, featuring ESPA products, and everything from the champagne bar to the relaxation rooms was bliss.
Where to Eat – Things to do in Irvine Scotland
Puffers Cafe is situated by the shore, but it’s actually part of the Scottish Maritime Museum. The waterside views are blissful. We dropped by for a coffee and a cheeky slice of red velvet cheesecake. There’s a gift shop too. Other eateries include for Harbour Lights for informal family lunches, (again close to the Maritime Museum), and don’t forget the Coast restaurant mentioned above at The Gailes Hotel. Have fun.
For things to do in Ayr click here.
For a review of Dumfries House in Ayrshire click here.
For more ideas in Glasgow and the surrounding area click here.
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